A BURGLAR from Nottingham who ransacked a large Victorian detached house in Hempstead, near Saffron Walden, was jailed for 18 months by a judge this week (Wednesday). Chelmsford Crown Court was told that Clive Goode threw a brick wrapped in a blanket thro

A BURGLAR from Nottingham who ransacked a large Victorian detached house in Hempstead, near Saffron Walden, was jailed for 18 months by a judge this week (Wednesday).

Chelmsford Crown Court was told that Clive Goode threw a brick wrapped in a blanket through a window and climbed into the house in Bumpstead Road, leaving muddy footprints behind, while the owners were out during the day.

He moved a sofa, looked through a filing cabinet and went through drawers in a bedroom. In all he stole �1100 worth of jewellery, electrical items, camera, mobile phone, commemorative coins and personal items and caused �2300 worth of damage to two windows.

Goode, 45, of Bingham Road, Sherwood, Nottingham, had pleaded guilty earlier to the robbery which was committed on January 27 and was appearing for sentence today.

Prosecutor Carolyn Gardiner said the owner returned home to the secluded property with her three sons and discovered the break in. Goode's DNA was found on a glove in the study.

He was arrested at his girlfriend's address in Nottingham and jewellery from the burglary was recovered.

Goode has previous convictions, including for theft and burglary.

Goode's counsel, Laura Dawes, said his last burglary was in 1981 and his last theft 11 years ago. She said he did have a drink and drug problems but was dry now as a result of the time he had spent in custody on remand.

However, jailing him Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC said Goode had a long criminal record and added that he had committed the offence because he needed money for petrol.